Rhys Llywelyn, HCC’s market development manager, said new export opportunities were opening up for Welsh meat all the time – in 2018 China lifted its ban on UK beef, Taiwan opened its market to pork and India agreed to import UK sheepmeat.

He said: “One of the greatest barriers to growing Welsh red meat exports is the historic ban on UK lamb and beef which some countries retain.

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"We met Japanese government inspectors during their visit to Britain last summer and have been proactive in providing all the reassurance they need on the excellent quality and traceability of Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef.”

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“And the fact that Shane Williams has already put Wales on the map in Japan can only help.”

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As Japan is renowned for its stringent food safety and import controls, UK officials say opening this market is expected to send positive signals about the safety of British exports to other countries, particularly in Asia.

Wyn Evans, NFU Cymru’s livestock board chairman, added: “We look forward to working with supply chain partners to ensure that Japanese consumers have the chance to enjoy the finest beef and lamb in the world, produced in Wales.”